The Turkish Baths

Victorian Turkish Baths experience

Exhilaration, euphoria, total

relaxation & absolute cleanliness.

With the pace of life today, it's more important than ever to take time out to unwind and devote time to the serious business of relaxing

Book

At the Turkish Baths Harrogate you can immerse yourself in Britain's most fully restored Victorian Turkish Baths and enjoy a unique regime of relaxation and rejuvenation, enhanced by friendly, yet unobtrusive attention.

Although Turkish Baths were common in Victorian times, only seven remain which date back to the 19th century. None is as historically complete and in full working order as Harrogate's Turkish Baths. Their importance lies in their decoration, elaboration and rarity. The Baths' Moorish design with Islamic arches and screens, walls of vibrant glazed brickwork, the arabesque painted ceilings and terrazzo floors (laid by the very best Italian experts) all add to its historic elegant features.

Entry is strictly restricted to persons aged 16 and over. It is a term and condition of entry that you may be asked for verification of your age. If you are unable to provide appropriate identification such as a passport or driving licence, you will be refused entry.

A Turkish Baths ritual is a journey of heating, cooling and cleansing the body, promoting a sense of relaxation and a clear mind. At the end of the session many of our clients say they feel exhilaration, euphoria, total relaxation and absolute cleanliness.

Our Health Spa is renowned for its tranquil and peaceful surroundings, enhanced by our team of highly qualified and friendly staff who carry out our extensive menu of contemporary spa treatments and therapies. Choose from a range of hand-picked luxury treatments which originate from around the world - a variety of indulgent and relaxing therapies and every day essentials such as manicures and pedicures.

Our day escapes provide the perfect gift for a loved one or just for pure indulgence in a relaxing and tranquil setting.

Experience the story of our

celebrated heritage

Turkish Baths photo

The Turkish Baths were only one of a vast number of facilities available during the spa's heyday, including dispensing of medicinal waters, hydrotherapy departments, mud baths and steam rooms as well as consulting doctors.

What may seem like a bizarre range of treatments today were household names then - including the likes of the 'Plombiere' douche, Schnee (electric hydrotherapy) bath, saline sulphur and peat baths.

The Royal Baths, one of Harrogate's premier listed buildings were built by Baggalley & Bristowe of London at a cost of £120,000.

The baths' Moorish design which feature Islamic arches and screens, walls of vibrant glazed brickwork, the arabesque painted ceilings and terrazzo floors (laid by the very best Italian experts) all add to its historic qualities.

The baths were popular with members of Royal families from around the world and a particular favourite of Queen Victoria's granddaughters.

Although Turkish Baths were common in Victorian times, only seven remain which date back to the 19th century. Three of them, including Harrogate, are in England (the Victorian Health Suite in Carlisle and the Health Hydro in Swindon are the others). But none are as historically complete and in full working order as the Turkish Baths Harrogate. 

their importance lies in their decoration elaboration and rarity

Essentially the baths are intact and very little alteration has taken place over the years. The nature of the materials used - hard, brightly coloured glazed bricks, mosaic floors and fine polished hardwoods - mean the interior always looks new, fresh and bright.

The Turkish Baths have been used for films - including Dustin Hoffman's 'Agatha' detailing Agatha Christie's mysterious disappearance and later discovery in Harrogate, Malcolm McLaren's video for his 'Madam Butterfly' recording and E17's video for their record 'Steam'.

Historic Harrogate

Guided tour

Take a step back and immerse yourself in the heritage and history of the Turkish Baths with our expertly guided tour. Our guided tours are offered Wednesday mornings at 8.30am. Our resident historian will guide you through the unique history and experience that is The Turkish Baths Harrogate. Tours last approximately 45 minutes and cost £4 per person. Book a place by contacting us on 01423 556746. Please note that our tours are subject to availability.

Contact us

guided
Guided tour chair
Guided tour - bath